AYURVEDA COURSE

LANGUAGE / MEDIUM OF
TEACHING

Food

1.

What do we eat in the ashram?

At the ashram we follow a vegetarian diet as per the yogic principles. The daily
diet consists of various grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. We
also include milk and yogurt. The diet is highly nutritious, balanced and suitable
to the environment and needs of the students. We can offer meals without milk and
other products for those who do not want it.

2.

Is there pure water to drink at the ashram?

Yes we supply purified mineral water to all the students and we also wash all our
fruit and vegetables in it.

3.

What about if I have any allergies / gluten intolerances?

We can prepare food suitable to your needs if you have any food intolerances or
allergies, such as lactose or gluten intolerances.

4.

Why can’t we drink tea and coffee?

Coffee and tea both act as stimulants to the brain and in this environment we try
to minimise the impact of anything that alters the natural mind state.

5.

What about onions, garlic and eggs?

Onions and garlic are also minor stimulants that can increase the desires and are
avoided in Ashram environment however we can provide these as medication if required.
Eggs are completely avoided.

6.

Can we bring food from home?

No, we do not allow outside food. We believe it is important for you to experience
the beneficial effects of a pure vegetarian diet. But in special cases we may allow
vegetarian food.

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Health

7.

Are there any vaccinations that I should get before coming?

There are no special vaccinations that are necessary for you to get when you come
to India. However it is a personal choice and you can speak to your doctor about
what is available. Also talking to Indian Embassy at the time of VISA, may help
you get more information.

8.

Is there Malaria and what can I do for it?

There is no malaria in Nasik or the surrounding area. It is recommended that you
speak to your doctor for advice. We recommend you bring mosquito repellent. Mosquito
nets are supplied. If you contract malaria from another place in India we also have
a supply of medication to treat malaria.

9.

What happens if there is a medical emergency or I get sick?

We have extensive, highly trained practitioners and facilities linked with the ashram.
These include doctors, various specialists, dentists, homeopaths, ayurvedic doctors
and massage therapists. We keep a large range of orthodox and natural medicine at
the ashram, which is available to all the students if they fall sick.

10.

I take certain medications and supplements. Will I be able to get
them in India?

It depends on what they are. It is important that you know the ingredients as you
may not be able to get the same brand but generally you can find most medicine.
Almost all the latest medicines are available in Nasik, if not then we can help
you get it from Mumbai.

Washing

11.

What are the washing facilities like?

There are two washing machines and two dryers at the ashram, available to all at
minimum costs. However it is recommended that you wash your clothes by hand as it
saves on water and electricity.

You can bring valuables on YOUR OWN RISK, we are not responsible for any loss or
damages.

5.

Yoga Mats

Please bring your own mats, but if required you can get mats in the shop.

6.

Miscellaneous

Your own medicines & personal toiletries.

Note - In Nasik, almost everything is available.

13.

Can you explain the sleeping arrangements?

Four people are assigned to each hut. Each person has a bed, locker and safe, blanket,
sheet, pillowcase and mosquito net. There are curtains to separate each section
for privacy.

There is one toilet and shower attached with hot water. We do not supply towels
and it is your responsibility to keep your room and sheets clean. We will supply
the cleaning equipment.

14.

When do we have to sleep and wakeup?

Wake up time is 5 am. The lights are turned off at 10.30pm but it is recommended
that you go to sleep earlier than this or when you feel ready. Generally the evening
discussions are finished between 9 and 9.30pm.

15.

What are the toilets like?

The toilets attached to the huts are Western style but there are both Indian and
Western style common toilets. Refer to photos of the lodging arrangements by clicking
the following URL

Yes, there are geysers in each hut as well as in the common showers. There is also
hot water available in the kitchen for drinking.

17.

We are living in the countryside, is there anything we need to know about life
there?

As the ashram is situated in a rural community we need to respect and accept the
culture that surrounds us.

18.

Can I come with my partner?

Yes you can come with your partner. However there are strict guidelines on your
actions and behaviour whilst staying in the ashram. You will have separate sleeping
arrangements and must not enter each other rooms. Inappropriate or intimate contact
is not permitted.

19.

When is the day off and what does it involve?

There is one day off per week and the day varies depending on the date you start
the course. This occurs after six consecutive days of class. We arrange taxis for
people into Nasik or other places. However you need to be back in the ashram by
6.30pm.

20.

Are there any curfews?

On the day off when the students are allowed to go into town you are expected to
return to the ashram by 6:30pm. On normal days you must remain on the ashram premises.

21.

What do the examinations involve?

There are two practical examinations, four written assignments and a practical teaching
test. We do not put so much emphasise on the examination because yoga is a personal
study that we are constantly learning and developing. However we need these exams
as they are a part of the requirements necessary in gaining the teaching certificate.

22.

Do we have to attend all sessions?

All lectures, asana practise and other sessions must be attended by all students.

Seva / Karma Yoga

23.

What is seva yoga / Karma yoga ?

Seva is serving others and helping others with compassion, serving not for personal
gratification but to uplift others. Seva is an offering. When an action contains
your best thoughts and feelings, your love and affection, sympathy and compassion,
and when it uplifts others, that is seva. Seva is serving others with compassion
and with the best you can give. In the course of time, seva becomes a way of life.
Living for others becomes a way of life, not living for oneself.
Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati

24.

Do we have to do karma yoga?

Karma Yoga is self less service, the purpose is to develop a new perspective which
is helpful for self development. If some one has issues then you can discuss it
with the Course Coordinator.

25.

When do we have free time?

You have free time between 8:30 and 9am, after lunch until 3:15pm, from 6:30 to
7:30 pm and some more time in the evening.

Internet and Electrical

26.

Are there internet facilities at the ashram?

No, Ashram does not have internet. However you can go into Nasik on your day off
where there are many fast, cheap internet cafes.

27.

Are there telephone facilities at the ashram?

Yes, we have telephone facilities available at the shop. The cost is the basic rate
available at all telephone booths around India. All proceeds from the phone go towards
our Seva Fund.

You can buy cheap mobiles anywhere in India and very affordable SIM cards. You can
also bring your own phone and get a new SIM card, provided your phone is not locked.
You can also text home with Indian mobiles 1-3 rupees, depending on your country.
There are many different types of phone companies that you can get SIM cards with.
Such as Idea (AT & T), Hutch, Airtel and BSNL. All have good coverage at the
ashram.

29.

Can I get photos printed?

In Nasik you can get photos printed for 21/2 rupees per picture. You can also get
photos burnt onto CDs.

30.

What is the power supply like?

Most of the time we have power however in some circumstances there may be an electrical
shortage. We have Battery backups and Generators. You can get converters and adapters
in Nasik for all electrical equipment. The power supply is 230 V AC (50 Hz).

You can bring your own mat, if not then you can purchase it in the shop.

33.

What about clothes? What clothes are suitable for the ashram and India?

Loose, comfortable clothes are the most suitable. Legs and shoulders should be covered.
No tight or revealing clothing should be worn.

34.

Where can I buy clothes?

You can buy Indian or Western style clothes in Nasik. You can also buy Indian dress
material and get clothes tailor made for you at a reasonable cost. The traditional
Indian outfit of Saree is also available in Nasik.

35.

Do we need to bring notebooks and stationary?

No, notebooks and pens are supplied as part of the course material.

36.

Do we have to bring textbooks?

No, you are given all the compulsory textbooks and you can get the additional, recommended
books from the shop at very economical costs.

37.

Can we post things home from the Ashram?

Yes. Air & Sea mail options are available, the ashram shop can help you pack
and post your material as per your choice.

(Please note that Certification and Training is given as per the syllabus designed
by Yoga Vidya Gurukul, it is not a part or affiliated to Bihar Yoga / Bihar Yoga
Bharati.)

47.

Who teaches at the ashram?

Our Main teacher -
Guruji -
Rishi Dharmajyoti
There are many more teachers with more than 15 years of experience who will teach
different classes, and conduct different lectures. There are a few Doctors who will
also teach classes. Some of our teachers from out of India will also assist in teaching
and will help bridge the cultural gaps.

48.

Is it similar to Ashtanga Vinyasa or Iyengar or other modified styles?

No !

We have a different way of teaching and practicing, which is based on Patanjal Yoga
Sutras (True Ashtanga Yoga tradition) and Hatha Yoga tradition. We believe in gentle,
relaxing, comfortable way of practicing postures.

This gives more benefits as mind and body work in harmony. Individuals can better
understand their body, strengths, weaknesses & limitations. It allows everyone
to better his / her own practice, becoming more strong and flexible. This style
has resulted in making good teachers who understand their students, giving them
a pleasurable experience and avoiding all possible troubles. This is the traditional
way that it is practised in India for thousands of years. We do not believe in practicing
Yoga in a Acrobatic way.

49.

Is yoga religious? Will they try to convert me to Hinduism?

No. Yoga is the science of personal experience. It is not a religion. It is a process
of normalisation. Yoga is beyond religion, it is a precious gift to humanity. It
does not talk about society but instead it talks about how one can reach the higher
stages of realisation. It is true that yoga is being practiced in India for a long
time. It is not a religious practice. It does not have any religious guidelines;
instead the guidelines are for the individual to progress on his or her journey.

50.

I'm not very flexible, will I be able to do the course?

Yes, this course is designed for people from all backgrounds and levels of yoga.
It starts with very basic movements and slowly progresses to more advanced asanas.
Everyone is welcome, all ages and levels of fitness and flexibility.

Note - Age limit is 18 years to 50 years. If people over age 50 want to apply
then they should produce a Fitness certificate from the registered medical practitioner.

51.

Can I become a teacher in 28 days?

Yes, in 28 days you are fully qualified to teach. We provide all the tools, experience
and the opportunity for you to be a yoga teacher. Throughout the course you will
teaching micro lessons and by the end of the course you will be conducting one hour
teaching sessions.

52.

How much yoga experience is necessary for me to attend the course?

You do not require any previous yoga experience prior to attending this course.
The students who attend this course come from many different backgrounds, many have
little to no yoga experience and some have been practising yoga for some time. Everyone
is welcome.

Administration

53.

Do I need to get an Indian visa?

Most countries need to apply for an Indian visa. You can easily get a tourist visa
or apply for a student visa in some countries. Contact the Indian embassy or consulate
in your country for more information.

54.

Will my certificate enable me to teach in my country?

This course gives you credit for 250 hours of yoga.

• The course is recognised by Director of Education, Government of Maharashtra
(Under Government of India).

• Yoga Vidya Gurukul is affiliated to YCMOU (A Government Open University)
to run the Diploma courses in Yoga.

• Certificate issued to the successful student entitles them to teach in any
part of the world and also can be used to register with other organizations
outside India.

Is the course registered with the Indian government?

Yes.

55.

What paperwork do I need to bring with me?

4 copies of your Indian visa and passport and 4 passport photos

Ayurveda Course

56.

Ayurveda course? When is it? When should I book? What does it involve?

There is a 5 day introductory course after every teacher training course. It is
recommended that you attend the one directly after your course instead of the one
before the course as you will learn some Ayurveda during your teacher training course.
For more information go to the following.